The Development of a Local Sexual Assault Investigation Kit: The Philippine Experience

Objectives. This paper presents the development of a local sexual assault investigation kit (SAK) that doctors in the Philippines could use to collect biological samples from victims of sexual abuse, including child patients, that would be used for DNA testing. The study also reports on a management system via courier service to protect the integrity of the samples that could be eventually used as evidence in court from the collection site to the laboratory with sufficient backup measures. Methods. Women and Child Protection Units (WCPU) from Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao partnered with the DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute of UP Diliman (NSRI-UPD) DNA Analysis Laboratory in testing the utility of a prototype SAK for the collection of biological samples from child patients. From January 2002 to March 2006, samples were collected from patients who went to WCPU within 72 hours post-contact and consented to participate in the study. WCPU doctors collected biological samples guided by the patient’s narratives and packaged the samples while following detailed documentation and chain of custody procedures. SAKs were then sent via a designated courier service from WCPU to the NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory for DNA testing. The WCPU kept half of the samples collected, following recommendations made during sectoral consultations that included members of the Research Group of the Philippine Judicial Academy, prosecutors, and defense counsels. Case samples were packed well by the WCPU and received at the NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory. Due to budget limitations, only the internal genitalia and patients’ reference buccal swabs were subjected to DNA tests as reported by Maiquilla et al.1 The remaining SAK components and case records were kept in a dedicated and secure storage facility. DNA testing reports were sent to the WCPU, which released them to the child patients and their legal guardians. Results. One hundred fifty-four female children aged 2-18 years old and their legal guardians agreed to participate in the study. Based on the initial interviews of the social workers who conducted the evaluation, all the participants came from families with very low socioeconomic status. The WCPU doctors then complied with prescribed procedures. To date, NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory records show that a subpoena for expert testimony had been issued in only one case out of the 63 cases (1.6%) that were positive for male DNA. No further inform